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As a child in Argentina, Nancy Gerardi soaked up the Spanish and Italian songs of her grandmother—many of them filtered through her father’s spirited accordion playing. Naturally, this musical upbringing led her to discover her talent for dance at a young age. It wasn’t until she arrived in the United States, however, that she decided to combine this talent with her skills as a businesswoman to open her own dance studio.
Today, at My Passion Dance Studio & Entertainment, Nancy translates the music of her youth into fun and fluid dance steps. Whether in private classes or small groups, her students strut and stomp on helpless piñatas as they learn spirited Latin dance styles such as merengue, bachata, tango, and flamenco. Nancy’s studio doesn’t limit its offerings to the styles she grew up with, though. Students can also learn the graceful moves of ballet, jazz, or hip-hop, or take lessons in piano and guitar.

The Range
The live-fire portion of New Jersey Firearms Academy's training takes place at local indoor and outdoor ranges.
The Rentals
Depending on the course, instructors might supply firearms such as handguns, semi-automatics, and revolvers.
At a Glance
NRA-certified instructor Lateif Dickerson gladly shares his firearms expertise for both the real and theoretical world, which led Michio Kaku to seek his insight for Discovery Channel's Sci Fi Science. When not contemplating the possibility of Star Wars-caliber firepower, Lateif leads classes in both armed and unarmed self-defense for beginner through advanced students at New Jersey Firearms Academy. He and his team also extend their courses to specialty topics, such as First Aid in the wilderness. Beyond civilian training, Lateif instructs law-enforcement and security personnel with programs such as SORA and K-9 training. The academy also houses a shop stocked with firearms gear.

Josefina Garcia and Lisa Martinez have been studying dance since they were each 5 years old. Together, they started J and L Dance Center in 1992 to pass on their know-how and instill a strong sense of self-worth in each of their protégés. These days, they usher students to win awards and recognition at showcases and competitions throughout the country. Newbies of all ages train under these masters and a crew of skilled instructors who specialize in a range of genres including ballet, tap, hip-hop, flamenco, and jazz styles. Wood-sprung floors in all three dance rooms cushion the fall of toes and feet in flight, and wall-to-wall mirrors throughout the space enable students to dance-battle their reflections.

East Coast Fitness’s 20,000 square feet house separate rooms for martial arts, spinning, group workouts, massages, and general exercise. On the main floor, strength-training machines, cardio machines, and free weights occupy separate areas, with additional room sectioned off for stability ball exercise and a herd of eight punching bags. Certified trainers and instructors also lead more than 15 classes that range from spinning and Pilates to yoga, kickboxing, agility training, and Zumba. In the lobby, a juice bar refreshes hungry athletes and a separate room offers free childcare.

Groupon Guide

This week’s list of things to do includes a hip-hop reunion tour, a 165-foot zipline, South Indian dancers, and Hamlet as performed by Gary Busey (not really). Enjoy, and, as always, check Groupon for more great things to do in New York City.
Photo of Ragamala Dance by Alice Gerbura.
Summer Streets
Lower Manhattan | Saturday, August 2
Pedestrians and cyclists will rule Park Avenue for a few brief hours this Saturday, when the city shuts down a 7-mile stretch of asphalt for the first of three Summer Streets events this August. The car-free stroll from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park would be pleasant in itself, but the city’s also provided a multitude of free amusements along the way. Inside the Park Avenue Tunnel, a seven-block-long immersive sound installation mimics the sonic effects of diving deep under the sea. At 34th Street, the Whole Foods City Picnic keeps crowds nourished with free food and drink samples. Further downtown, a 165-foot zipline sends harnessed participants zooming across Foley Square. Performances by African drummers and jugglers, parkour and cooking demonstrations, and a PAWS dog park round out the day. (Park Ave. from the Brooklyn Bridge to 77th St.; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free)
Jurassic 5
Midtown | Saturday, August 2
Fresh off a globe-trotting reunion tour, Jurassic 5 shows no signs that their energy’s slackening. The “Quality Control” group brings their nostalgic old-school hip-hop to Best Buy Theater this Saturday. The best part of J5 has always been the interaction between the rappers’ voices: anchored by Chali 2na’s deep baritone, they play off each other like a barbershop quartet that just happens to spit rhymes. Their first post-reunion single, the White Stripes–sampling “The Way We Do It,” is evidence that the years haven’t erased that playful vibe. (1515 Broadway; show at 8 p.m., doors at 7 p.m.; $42.50–$50; buy tickets here)
The One I Love
Sunset Park | Monday, August 4
The directorial debut of famed author and Twitterer Charlie McDowell, this indie romantic comedy made a splash when it premiered at Sundance this January. Some of the reasons were obvious, including moving performances from Mark Duplass (Safety Not Guaranteed) and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men, Top of the Lake). But some are more obscure, like the surreal, high-concept plot twist that most reviewers have refused to reveal. (Feel free to scrutinize the trailer for hints.) Come see what the fuss is about at Rooftop Films’ sneak-preview outdoor screening at Industry City, which will be followed by a Q&A with the director and stars, plus an after-party sponsored by New Amsterdam Spirits. (220 36th St., Brooklyn; doors at 8 p.m.; $13; get tickets here)
Ragamala Dance in Song of the Jasmine
Upper West Side | Thursday, August 7
Classical South Indian dance meets contemporary jazz in this Walker Art Center–commissioned show, whose Lincoln Center Out of Doors performance is also its New York premiere. Composer and saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa interweaves his meandering melodies with traditional Indian instruments to soundtrack the elegant, flowing movements of dance troupe Ragamala Dance. Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers and the Chinese-American Arts Council Dancers open. (Damrosch Park Bandshell, between Amsterdam Ave. & W. 62nd St.; 7:30 p.m.; free)
Fringe Festival
Multiple locations | Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 24
Now in its 18th year, this sprawling multi-arts event will fill more than 20 theaters this month with off-the-wall indie performances from around the globe. Offerings range from Gary Busey’s One-Man Hamlet (which doesn’t actually feature Gary Busey) to Dust Can’t Kill Me, a folk musical about the 1930s Dust Bowl, to Njozi Ensemble Company’s Ain’t She Brave: an Ensemble of Poetry. ($18 per show, $85–$500 for a multi-show pass; buy tickets here)

Don’t let the Fourth of July hog all the attention. From an Avengers-themed costume party to a dream-pop concert at MoMA, there’s plenty to do this week beyond cookouts and fireworks. If you still need help filling your schedule, check Groupon for more great things to do in New York City.
Drunk Shakespeare
Hell’s Kitchen | Monday, June 30, at 8 p.m.
Sure, this limited-run show has multiple performances throughout the week. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more highbrow(ish) excuse to get tipsy on a Monday night. Upstairs at Quinn’s Bar & Grill, an actor downs a minimum of five shots of whiskey before attempting to perform a Shakespeare play from memory. Botched lines, mangled soliloquies, and other antics ensue as the troupe blends the poetry of the Bard with the spontaneity of improv comedy. (356 W. 44th St.; $29)
Downward Doll Yoga at Karma Kids
West Village | Wednesday, July 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Child-centric yoga studio Karma Kids kicks off its Wednesday summer event series with a yoga lesson for kids aged 3–6 and their favorite stuffed animals and dolls. Each toy gets its own mini yoga mat to practice poses alongside its pint-size owner. If this session fills up, no worries—Karma Kids has pirate, shark, and fairy-princess themed yoga yet to come. (104 W. 14th St.; $30)
MoMA Nights with Au Revoir Simone
Midtown | Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m.
The austere white walls of MoMA’s sculpture garden will reverberate with the dream-pop of Brooklyn trio Au Revoir Simone this Thursday in the latest outing in the MoMA Nights series. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, including local gelato and sorbetto from the Garden Bar. Get there before doors open at 5:30 p.m. to wander the museum’s summer exhibitions. (11 W. 53rd St.; free with $14–$25 museum admission)
Nathan’s Famous Hot-Dog Eating Contest
Coney Island | Friday, July 4, starting at 11 a.m.
Fireworks, shmireworks. Every red-blooded American knows that the real way to celebrate our nation’s birth is to watch an adult man (or woman) scarf down dozens of hot dogs in a matter of mere seconds. Stop by to see Kobayashi’s archnemesis Joey Chestnut and Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas defend their 2013 men’s and women’s titles. (1310 Surf Ave.; free)
Midtown Comics Fan Party and The Avengers Screening
South Street Seaport | Saturday, July 5, starting at 4 p.m.; movie screening at 8 p.m.
Can’t make it to Comic Con this year? No worries—this Pier/Party event will be crawling with cosplayers. Costumed fans enjoy drink specials and compete for prizes provided by South Street Seaport and Midtown Comics. Stop by to participate or people-watch before The Avengers brings heroes like Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man to life on the big screen. (11 Fulton St.; free)
Photo of 2006 Nathan's Famous Hot-Dog Eating Contest sourced from Wikipedia under a Creative Commons License. Downward Doll photo courtesy of Karma Kids.

It’s always tempting to skip ahead to the end of what you’re reading, whether it’s a suspenseful novel or an especially gripping list of things to do this week. But try to stick it out for the whole list below: you’ll be rewarded with news of a deviled-egg contest, an art-centric block party, and concerts in genres from bossa nova to folk. We won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say it includes cold and frosty treats. If that’s still not a sweet enough conclusion, you can always check Groupon for more great things to do in New York City.
Kegs & Kluckers at Brooklyn Brewery
Williamsburg | Monday, July 14
As urban chicken-keepers know, hens love snacking on grains leftover from brewing beer. The Good Beer Month event Kegs & Kluckers celebrates this symbiotic relationship with festivities that benefit Just Food’s City Chicken Project. Unlimited Brooklyn Brewery drafts flow as guests enjoy complimentary snacks, Egg Olympic Games, and a deviled-egg competition emceed by Matt Timms, creator of The Takedowns. (79 N. 11 St., Brooklyn; $25; buy tickets here; 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
Twin Forks & Chris Carrabba at Rough Trade
Williamsburg | Wednesday, July 16, at 9 p.m.
Best known as the breathy voice of emo band Dashboard Confessional, Chris Carrabba takes on a folksier twang in songs with his new band, Twin Forks. Though the down-home details are there—Carrabba spent three years learning fingerpicking guitar for the project—Twin Forks also brings a stadium-size bluster that reflects Carrabba’s arena-rock past. Don’t miss the upbeat orchestral pop of openers Miracles of Modern Science, who create danceable tunes with a cello, a violin, and a double bass. (64 N. 9th St., Brooklyn; $15 advance, $17 day-of; buy tickets here; Doors at 8 p.m.)
Hear a playlist of Chris Carrabba’s favorite movie-soundtrack songs on the Groupon Guide.
Bebel Gilberto at Prospect Park Bandshell
Prospect Park | Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m.
With its mix of samba rhythms and lilting classical guitar, bossa nova is the ideal soundtrack for a cool midsummer night. It can’t hurt to add the ethereal voice of Bebel Gilberto, the daughter of bossa nova legend João Gilberto, to the mix. Her free concert at Prospect Park Bandshell this Friday kicks off Brasil Summerfest, a monthlong celebration of Brazilian music and culture that runs through July 26. (9th St. & Prospect Park West; free)
New Museum Block Party
Lower East Side | Saturday, July 19, from noon to 5 p.m.
Music and art abound at the New Museum’s annual get-together in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Visitors construct their own decorative maps, artwork-filled memory games, and other crafts at interactive workshops, while the music of performers like singer-songwriter Joy Askew and operatic impresario M. Lamar fills the air. Afterward, guests can head to the museum for free, family-family tours of Here and Elsewhere, a new exhibition of contemporary Arab art that fully opens on July 16. (Chrystie St. between Delancey St. & Broome St.; free)
Ice Cream Social at Hester Street Fair
Lower East Side | Saturday, July 19 & Sunday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The vendors might be local, but Hester Street Fair’s celebration of ice-cold sweets brings together flavors from all over the globe. Guests can sample La Newyorkina’s Mexican paletas, Lezzetli Ice Cream’s Turkish-inspired scoops, and Hello Halo’s Filipino shaved ice, among other frosty treats. A blind-tasting contest tests visitors’ ice-cream IQ, and the Street Fair’s other wares await browsing. As an added incentive, Uber users who use the promo code Hester30 get up to $30 off their ride to the event. (Hester St. & Essex St.; free)
Can’t make it to Hester Street? Try a top New York ice-cream shop from this Groupon Guide list.
Photo of Bebel Gilberto by Harper Smith. Photo of Twin Forks courtesy of Reybee Productions and Tristan Casey.